Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver

What is the YES Waiver? The Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver is a 1915 (c) Medicaid Home and Community Based Services waiver that allows for more flexibility in the funding of intensive community based services for children and adolescents with severe emotional disturbance and their families.

Who is Eligible for YES Waiver Services? To participate in the YES Waiver, the child or adolescent must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Be between the ages of 3-18 years;

Reside in the West Texas Center service area;

Reside in a non-institutional setting with the child or adolescent’s Legally Authorized Representative (LAR); or in the child or adolescent’s own home or apartment, if legally emancipated;

Be eligible for Medicaid, under a Medicaid Eligibility Group included in the approved waiver; Parental income is not counted in financial eligibility;

Choose, or have the LAR choose, the Waiver program services as an alternative to care in an inpatient psychiatric facility;

Meets Department State Health Services (DSHS) clinical criteria (including, but not limited to risk of self-harm, risk of severe disruptive or aggressive behavior, family resources, and risk of school behavior); and

There must be a reasonable expectation that, without Waiver services, the child or adolescent would qualify for inpatient care under the Texas Medicaid inpatient psychiatric admission guidelines

Financial CriteriaA child or adolescent must be eligible for Medicaid. If you are a current Medicaid recipient, you may already meet financial requirements for the YES Waiver and/or additional information may be required. If you are not a current Medicaid recipient, you may quality to receive Medicaid through the YES Waiver (Special Waiver Income Group)

What are the YES Waiver Services? The following services are provided under the YES Waiver:

Respite

Community Living Supports

Family Supports

Transitional Services

Adaptive Aids and Supports

Minor Home Modifications

Non-Medical Transportation

Paraprofessional Services

Professional Services

Supportive Family Based Alternatives

How do I Access Yes Waiver Services? Families or the Legal Authorized Representative of an eligible child or youth who are interested in referring their child to the YES Waiver Services Program or to obtain more information please contact http://www.wtcmhmr.org or call 1-888-336-3362